LTO: Vehicles valued at PHP 6M and up can only be registered at Central Office

The DPWH scandal, which entangles agency officials, politicians, and contractors, has ignited public fury. Demands for accountability are growing louder, particularly against those openly parading the luxuries allegedly funded by taxpayers. From pricey overseas vacations to designer bags, mansions, and of course, luxury vehicles.

To strengthen safeguards against corruption, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao has issued a new memorandum MVL-2025-4791, directing all regional and district offices to route the registration of luxury vehicles valued at PHP 6 million and above to the New Registration Unit (NRU) at its Quezon City Head Office.

“To ensure uniformity, transparency, and stronger oversight, and pursuant to the authority of the Assistant Secretary, all initial registration transactions involving motor vehicles valued in the sales invoice at PHP 6,000,000 and above shall be processed exclusively through the Central Office-New Registration Unit (NRU).”

In layman’s terms, this move takes away the power of LTO’s Regional and District Offices to process or approve the initial registration of luxury vehicles priced at PHP 6 million or more, following allegations of shady dealings in some areas. It’s a bit like that time when registrations from certain LTO offices weren’t even allowed to be renewed in NCR, proof that even a government agency has trust issues with its own branches. Funny, but also pretty sad.